Radio 4 announced badger culls had started on Tuesday and will continue over the next six weeks.

My only hope is that the Badger Trust and its more extreme supporters do not disrupt the operations, which must this year be given a fair trial.

I understand there will be a strong police presence to prevent the activists being disruptive. The overriding objective has to be to halt the spread of TB which is rampant in our South West cattle herds and rapidly heading north.

We are told contractors are better trained and better prepared this year and their target numbers will be much lower in both pilot areas.

We shall have to wait and see if they are effective.

 

• THERE is an interesting survey released by the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers which shows that one-third of them rely upon migrant labour.

Of these, more than 50 per cent are from Poland, with the balance from other Baltic states, the Philippines and New Zealand.

Dairy farmers say the migrant work ethic is outstanding and many are here to make a long-term career.

In some ways it is a sad reflection on our colleges and education system which needs addressing.

 

• THERE’S grain, grain everywhere and not a drop of trade. If it wasn’t for the occasional Putin jitters as he plays a very dangerous political game in Ukraine, the corn market would be totally becalmed.

Global wheat stocks are now at a 27-year high and the home demand for feed barley is very patchy. As a consequence wheat prices are still hovering from £110 to £120 and barley £95 to £105 with oilseed rape on at £240 and beans £180 a tonne.

There are quality issues which will create a bit of a premium and those able to take advantage should do so.

It’s not the easiest of selling seasons, but at least the cost of harvesting and drying will have helped.

 

• I AM pleased to report that Pat Foxton is back in town after visiting his son in Kenya, fully refreshed to tackle the new livestock market project.

He tells me that he is delighted at the planning news and expresses grateful thanks to all those that have helped.

The next job is to get some plans on to the drawing board and then the daunting task of raising funds.

The directors are due to meet over the next week.